"Green Balls" : The Adventures of a Night-Bomber

by Paul Bewsher

"Green Balls: The Adventures of a Night-Bomber" by Paul Bewsher is a memoir written in the early 20th century. This work recounts the experiences and emotions of a young man who becomes a night-bomber during World War I, offering an insider's view of aerial combat and its psychological impacts on those who served in it. The narrative begins with the author's transition from a life of relative ease to the harrowing yet exhilarating responsibilities of flying bombing missions at night. The opening of the memoir portrays the author's transition from mundane life to the chaos of war as he embarks on his first flights aboard a seaplane, performing patrols over the North Sea. Through vivid descriptions, he captures the thrill of flying and the routine's surreal nature, highlighting the paradox of excitement mingled with the ever-present dangers of war. The author shares his thoughts and feelings about the experiences of aerial bombing, the camaraderie among airmen, and the moral complexities of their missions, setting the stage for the adventures and challenges that lie ahead as he prepares to face the enemy from the skies.